My dream is to provide meals and housing for at risk children and young adults. I realized that there was a need for these services while volunteering at a local non-profit. I felt a great sense of self-worth when I helped them out.
The plan would be to provide a place to come every evening to receive a well-balanced and nourishing meal all year. I would add brunch in the summer. Children would get food packs for the weekend.
I got involved in providing shelter by accident. I found that young people often need a place to go until their situation at home has calmed down. Two young ladies had to stay for several weeks, and one continues to come by several days a week.
I would like to have a facility where both of these programs could operate. It would be a safe and fun place for everyone. In addition, there would be room for individual privacy when needed.
These programs would offer new opportunities for those we serve. It is a well-known fact that both groups will improve in academics and extracurricular activities, when they have nutritious food and a stable environment. I believe that if there were programs like these in every community that the participants would be better prepared for adulthood. They would be productive citizens and directly impact the economy. Serving my community is my dream.